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The neighboring Central American nations of Belize and Guatemala both offer spectacular, unspoiled scenery, abundant wildlife and intriguing cultural attractions. However, there are enough differences between the two destinations to warrant including both within one vacation. Choose from an organized package excursion to benefit from a preplanned itinerary, or plan your own to customize every detail of your accommodations, transportation and activities.

This 12-day package tour highlights the wildlife of Belize and Guatemala. The tour begins and ends in Belize City and includes two nights at Tikal Jungle Lodge in Guatemala, your base when exploring the Mayan ruins of Yaxha and eight ancient pyramids of Tikal. In Belize, visit a howler-monkey reserve, located alongside the Belize River within a dense jungle habitat; explore the nature trails around Black Rock Lodge, looking out for some of the 200 bird species recorded there; and see Hidden Valley Falls, a narrow, 1,000-foot-high cascade. Another highlight is a guided canoe trip into the cave systems of Barton Creek. At Blue Hole National Park in Belize, swim in underground rivers and hike along routes originally laid out by the Maya. Quest Nature Tours can arrange your international flights upon request.

Quest Nature Tours

491 King St. E

Toronto, Ontario M5A 1L9

Canada

800-387-1483

questnaturetours.com

Eco-Lodge Vacation

To experience the natural wonders of Belize and Guatemala on your own schedule, stay in an eco-lodge or other hotel in each destination and pre-plan your transportation between the two. Flights between Honduras and Guatemala are readily available, or you could take a bus, minibus or taxi across the main bridge linking the two countries just outside the city of Benque Viejo del Carmen in Belize. Most lodging establishments will be happy to assist you with planning your modes of transportation, along with excursions to local attractions. The Cotton Tree Lodge, located on 100 private aces of unspoiled rainforest in Belize, offers room-only rates and an all-inclusive package, along with a menu of locally guided tours. Stay in one of 11 thatched cabanas, each with a balcony, hammock and private bathroom. The all-inclusive package covers accommodations, airport transfers, all meals and unlimited resort activities such as kayaking on the Moho River, horseback riding and guided medicinal plant walks. In the Tikal and Flores region of Guatemala, stay at La Casa de Don David, a 15-room hotel. Room rates include one meal per day and complimentary Internet access. Don David’s staff can arrange transportation to or from Belize and other locations and offer a range of tours and activities in the local area.

The two-week Belize and Guatemala Adventure Vacation is a group tour for up to 20 travelers. The vacation begins in Belize City with time scheduled for independent exploration before heading across the border (by bus) into Guatemala on Day 2. Travel through the Peten region, then enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Tikal, seemingly hidden deep in the jungle. Participate in a Spanish lesson at a local school, take an informative guided walk through a medicinal garden and cool off with a swim in Lake Peten Itza. On Day 5, return to Belize and stay in the riverside city of San Ignacio. Here, you have a choice of activities including a visit to a butterfly garden, a tour of the Mayan cave of Tunichil Mukmal or a canoeing trip through a natural limestone cave system. The itinerary continues with a guided canoe trip down the Belize River and two nights spent camping in the scenic region. Follow this with more sedentary pursuits on the Caribbean island of Caye Caulker, which sits alongside the world’s second longest barrier reef. Snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays, go on a manatee-spotting boat trip and relax on the sandy beaches of the island before your return home.

Responsible Vacation

Third Floor

Pavilion House

6 Old Steine

Brighton

BN1 1EJ

UK

responsiblevacation.com

References

About the Author

A writer of diverse interests, Joanne Thomas has penned pieces about road trips for Hyundai, children's craft projects for Disney and wine cocktails for Robert Mondavi. She has lived on three continents and currently resides in Los Angeles, where she is co-owner and editor of a weekly newspaper. Thomas holds a BSc in politics from the University of Bristol, England.

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